Rafael Nadal’s quest for La Decima at the French Open began with what was an ultimately straightforward victory against Benoit Paire.

The nine-time Roland Garros champion has been in fantastic form on clay this year, winning a 10th title at Barcelona and in Monte Carlo.

This was a potentially tricky first round for the title favourite. Paire is wildly inconsistent but has plenty of flair, and this was a relatively rare trip to the secondary Suzanne Lenglen court for a player who has made Philippe Chatrier his own backyard for the last decade.

Rafael Nadal opened his French Open campaign with a straight sets victory over Benoit Paire

The 30-year-old Spaniard continued his brilliant form on clay this year with his first round win

Nadal and Frenchman Paire embrace at the net after the contest was decided

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The 28-year-old Frenchman brought his usual eccentric mix of tennis to the court, but Nadal looked to be on his way to an easy win as he took seven of the first eight games to lead by a set and a break.

But the world No 45, as he often does, found a burst of inspiration, reeling off three games in a row and gesturing to the partisan home crowd to raise the noise levels.

Nadal broke back immediately and then at 4-4 in the second set came the key game of the match.

Paire forced two break points but the world No 4 saved both, one with a backhand overhead that landed just inside the baseline. Typically, the 30-year-old Spaniard was producing his best tennis on the biggest points.

Once he held to go 5-4 up, Nadal resumed full control, only losing one more game as he cantered towards the finish line.

The first round tie could have been tricky for Nadal against a player who has plenty of flair

Paire falls over near the net as Nadal walks over to see if his opponent is alright during the tie

It was a tough day the office for the 28-year-old against the title favourite on Monday